Method and apparatus for molding non-pneumatic wheels

Abstract

A method and apparatus for molding non-pneumatic wheels is provided. The exemplary method and apparatus allow for the use of the same molding system to manufacture wheels with different hub constructions. Different configurations of removable mold elements are utilized within the same molding system to provide wheels with different hub constructions.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of molding a non-pneumatic wheel using a molding system that includes an upper mold portion and a lower mold portion that can be selectively joined to form an internal cavity, the steps comprising:
 positioning a removable bushing and a lower mold bowl onto the lower mold portion; 
 placing a compliant, load supporting band onto the lower mold portion; 
 inserting an upper mold bowl onto the lower mold bowl; 
 closing an upper mold portion onto the lower mold portion; and 
 heating the lower mold bowl, upper mold bowl, and load supporting band to a predetermined temperature. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of molding a non-pneumatic wheel as in  claim 1 , further comprising the step of:
 pouring a molding material into the upper mold portion and lower mold portion. 
 
     
     
       3. The method of molding a non-pneumatic wheel as in  claim 2 , further comprising the step of:
 spinning the lower mold bowl, upper mold bowl, and load supporting band during the step of pouring, or after the step of pouring, or both. 
 
     
     
       4. The method of molding a non-pneumatic wheel as in  claim 3 , further comprising the step of applying heat to cure the molding material introduced in the step of pouring. 
     
     
       5. The method of molding a non-pneumatic wheel as in  claim 4 , further comprising the step of preheating the upper mold portion and lower mold portion before the step of placing a compliant band. 
     
     
       6. The method of molding a non-pneumatic wheel as in  claim 5 , further comprising the step of locating a mounting disk between the upper mold bowl and the lower mold bowl. 
     
     
       7. The method of molding a non-pneumatic wheel as in  claim 6 , wherein the mounting disk is attached to the hub of the non-pneumatic wheel. 
     
     
       8. The method of molding a non-pneumatic wheel as in  claim 7 , further comprising the step of removing a first configuration of removable mold components from the molding system and installing a second configuration of removable mold components into the molding system. 
     
     
       9. The method of molding a non-pneumatic wheel as in  claim 1 , wherein the upper mold bowl and the lower mold bowl providing forming surfaces for molding the hub of the non-pneumatic wheel.